The path of a repair
1. Acceptance
We receive the watch at the workshop or via insured shipping. We document the external condition with detailed photos (case, crystal, bezel, lugs, strap/bracelet).
2. Preliminary diagnosis
Opening of the case back, visual inspection of the movement. Function test in standard positions (CH, FH, CB, FB, CG, FG). Measurement of amplitude, beat error, and deviation.
Time dedicated: 1-3 hours. Diagnosis cost: free for standard movements, quoted for rare movements.
3. Written quote
We send an email with:
- Photos of the open movement
- List of components requiring replacement
- Estimated turnaround time
- Total cost (labor + components)
- Any specific risks (vintage components no longer available)
No work begins without explicit customer approval.
4. Repair
- Complete disassembly of the movement
- Ultrasonic cleaning of components
- Replacement of worn components with original parts (or certified equivalents)
- Lubrication with modern Moebius oils or equivalents
- Reassembly and regulation
- Chronometric testing 7-15 days in multiple positions
- Water resistance verification (if applicable)
Documented photos of every stage. Repair file archived for 10 years.
5. Return
The watch is returned to the customer with:
- 24-month written warranty
- Repair file (photos + replaced components)
- Personalized maintenance advice
- Next service reminder (typically 5-7 years)
What we do NOT do
- “Quick” repairs without diagnosis
- Blind quotes based only on problem description
- “Preventive” unnecessary replacements to inflate the bill
- Heavy polishing on vintage watches that sacrifices the original patina
- Work on rare pieces without agreeing on the desired level of restoration
The ethics of patina
A valuable vintage watch should not be brought back “like new” unless the customer explicitly requests it and understands the consequences (loss of collector value).
Our default: preserve the authentic patina, restore the function. Discussing the level of aesthetic intervention is part of the consultation, not a detail.